Bullpen might provide fans some needed relief

SPRING TRAINING '07 - BATTER UP - ATLANTA BRAVES

February 25, 2007|By Andrew Astleford, Sentinel Staff Writer

LAKE BUENA VISTA -- After missing the postseason for the first time since 1990, the Atlanta Braves enter spring training bolstered by key offseason acquisitions to a bullpen that many considered one of the weakest in the National League last year.

The Braves blew 29 of 67 save opportunities in 2006 -- a large reason why the club's streak of 14 consecutive division titles was snapped during its 79-83 campaign.

As a result, General Manager John Schuerholz signed closer Bob Wickman (247 career saves) to an extension this past fall. Schuerholz also brought in right-hander Rafael Soriano (2.89 career ERA) from Seattle and Pittsburgh's Mike Gonzalez, who converted all 24 save chances last year. Wickman, who was acquired during an in-season trade with Cleveland, returns after earning 33 saves in 2006.

"You're going to have more leaders in the bullpen, a little bit more responsibility and guys who have been in some situations before," pitcher Kevin Barry said. "Last year, you had some younger guys who didn't have that experience. It's all part of the learning process, though: Getting beat down and getting picked back up again and trying to be as fluid as you can when you are pitching. There is nothing you can do to prepare for dealing with pitching in the big leagues. That's just something that has to come with experience."

Pitcher John Smoltz, who enters his 19th season with the organization, highlights Atlanta's starting rotation. Mike Hampton returns after missing all of last year recovering from Tommy John surgery. Tim Hudson, Chuck James and Kyle Davies complete a group that looks to improve upon a 54-60 combined mark in 2006 -- the first time Braves starters posted a losing record since 1990.

"With John [Smoltz] and Wickman, those are a lot of years," pitcher Lance Cormier said. "When you're trying to learn things, you're just trying to soak them up. You watch the older guys and Smoltz and see about how he goes about his business."

Franchise faces Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones return to a lineup that was second-best in the National League with 849 total runs scored. Despite the strong numbers, Braves hitters weren't always consistent. The Braves finished 6-21 in June, which haunted the club during the late-season playoff chase. Atlanta finished nine games out of the National League wild-card spot, which was claimed by San Diego.

Chipper Jones missed about one-third of the season because of a variety of injuries. Shortstop Edgar Renteria comes back after a season that saw him appear in his fifth all-star game. And catcher Brian McCann returns after making his first all-star appearance.

"I think every team in the National League East is balanced. I don't think there's one team that stands out," Davies said. "We've got to take care of the stuff in our division first. In the end, you've got to have patience."